NYSEG: 82% OF INTERRUPTED SERVICES RESTORED

>> NYSEG urges customers to stay away from downed power lines – even lines that appear dead can be deadly. NYSEG customers should call 1.800.572.1131 to report downed power lines or other hazardous situations. NYSEG’s natural gas emergency number is 1.800.572.1121.

>> Emergency generators can be dangerous. Carefully read, understand and follow manufacturer’s instructions when operating an emergency generator. Never run emergency generators indoors; operate them only outdoors in well-ventilated areas and away from windows and doors.

Rochester, NY – NYSEG has now restored 82% (234,000) of the 285,000 services interrupted as a result of damage from Hurricane Irene. (In these figures, customers that have been interrupted and restored more than once are counted for each time they have been interrupted and restored.) More than 1,400 NYSEG, Rochester Gas and Electric, and contract line and tree crews from as far away as the Midwest are on the power restoration team.

Based on the extent of the known damage thus far, NYSEG estimates the following power restoration times:

Brewster Division: Road closures and accessibility issues continue to impede damage assessment and repair work. Except in areas that remain inaccessible, 75% of customers who were without power yesterday (August 30) are projected to have service restored by late Friday (September 2). The remaining customers in these accessible areas are projected to be restored by late on Wednesday (September 7). The restoration of those customers who are in areas that are currently inaccessible will be dependent upon NYSEG’s ability to gain access to assess damage and make repairs.

Liberty Division: 90% of the customers who were without power yesterday (August 30) are projected to have service restored by Friday night (September 2); all power is projected to be restored by late Saturday (September 3).

Binghamton Division: All but approximately 400 customers will have power restored by Thursday (September 1); all power is projected to be restored by midnight Friday (September 2).

Plattsburgh Division: All but approximately 1,000 customers will have power restored by Friday night (September 2); all power is projected to be restored by midnight Saturday (September 3).

Oneonta Division: Road closures and accessibility issues continue to impede damage assessment and repair work. Except in areas that remain inaccessible, 75% of customers who were without power yesterday (August 30) are projected to have service restored by late Friday (September 2). The remaining customers in these accessible areas are projected to be restored by late on Wednesday (September 7). The restoration of those customers who are in areas that are currently inaccessible will be dependent upon NYSEG’s ability to gain access to assess damage and make repairs.